60 Things To Do Instead Of Being On Your Phone
I’ve always tried to be mindful of how much I’m on my phone. Since having my son, I’ve been even more focused on unplugging and being in the moment. In fact, the importance of being present is one of the main things I’ve learned in motherhood so far.
Though we all know it’s a good idea to limit our screen time, it’s not easy! On average, people spend nearly 7 hours a day looking at screens. Y’all, that’s SO many of our waking hours staring at our phones rather than investing in ourselves and those that are important to us. No matter your screen time goal, it’s easier to cut hours on your phone if you’re replacing the doom scrolling with something productive and valuable.
So, to help you come up with a good replacement option for your screen time, I’m sharing a round-up of things to do instead of being on your phone. These are my ideas:
60 Things To Do Instead Of Being On Your Phone
Read a book.
Go on a bike ride.
Engage in physical activity.
Try a new recipe.
Journal.
Learn an instrument.
Meditate.
Draw.
Paint.
Dance.
Visit a museum.
Take pictures. (Maybe of your cute baby? :))
Volunteer.
Do some gardening.
Write a letter.
Listen to a podcast.
Learn a new language.
Go stargazing.
Plan a holiday party.
Play board games.
Go camping.
Declutter your house.
Learn origami.
Go on a picnic.
Visit a library.
Write poetry.
Create a vision board.
Do a puzzle.
Explore your local city.
Go fishing.
Create a scrapbook.
Learn to sew.
Do yoga.
Take a nap.
Play with your pet.
Take your dog for a walk.
Take advantage of local free activities.
Write a bucket list.
Find a penpal.
Sit outside in nature.
Organize your closet.
Deep clean your house.
Apply a face mask.
Take a bath.
Get your nails done.
Grab a coffee with a friend.
Take yourself on a solo date.
Buy yourself flowers.
Have a meaningful conversation with someone you love.
Listen to your favorite music.
Look through photo albums.
Go for a swim.
Go bowling.
Get a massage.
Attend a concert.
Write a monthly budget.
Get your hair done.
Host a pizza night.
Go to your favorite ice cream store.
Play with your kids.
Have a movie night.
Do a short workout.
Set time limits.
Setting time limits is a great way to lower your screen time. It’s build-in accountability! By consciously limiting your phone usage, you will be able to create genuine human connections, enjoy meaningful activities, and engage in moments of self-reflection.
Setting limits isn’t about deprivation, it’s about making a conscious choice to prioritize your family and mental health. You can easily start by limiting phone usage before bed (you can do this in your settings) or even turning your phone off for one hour each day. Start small and slowly grow your expectations for yourself to have success here!
Delete social media apps.
Uninstalling social media apps can sound intense, but I am not advocating for you to delete your accounts—just keep them on your desktop! When you have to actually sit down at your computer to check Facebook or Instagram, you’re way less likely to get sucked into the scroll all day. Consider deleting the social channel that provides the least amount of value, but soaks up a lot of your time. Once you uninstall one, soon you’ll want to get rid of it all! The time you gain is so freeing!
Establish a phone-free zone.
Establishing a phone-free zone is the perfect way to create a sanctuary for yourself where you are present and mindful. I recommend designating your living room, bedroom, or dining room as a tech-free space to focus on genuine connection and help instill strong values in your kids. Maybe even have a specific basket where you put your phone while in that space to make a habit of setting it down and being present.
I think you’ll all really love a break from all the pings and notifications coming through. Instead of reaching for your phone or worrying about work, you’ll be laughing with your family, soaking in every precious moment, and practicing mindfulness.
Keep your phone out of sight.
Keeping your phone out of sight is a powerful AND easy strategy to cut phone time. Just tuck it into a bag, drawer, or designated space. Just make sure you can’t see it! This will help you minimize habitual checking. When your phone is out of sight, you can more easily focus on your health, loved ones, or the activities above!
Identify your triggers.
Identifying your triggers will help you create a MUCH more mindful relationship with your phone when you’re using it. You should always pause and take a moment to think about the emotions, situations, and environments that cause you to reach for your phone. Like, every time you get frustrated or stressed, are you reaching for your phone? Or, are you scrolling anytime you recline on the couch? Figure out what makes you escape into your phone, and replace it with something healthy like a hobby, exercise, deep breathing, and other healthier habits.
Stay busy.
What’s the main reason we get on our phone? Boredom, right? We think we need to be fed entertainment 24/7, so we’re always on our phone to consume more. To break the habit of doom scrolling, keep yourself super busy with your favorite activities and people. You’ll be more productive and feel more accomplished and content at the end of the day!
Get an accountability partner.
Getting an accountability partner will be an absolute GAME CHANGER when you’re trying to curb excessive phone use. A friend or family member can help keep you on track by sharing usage data and having regular meet-ups. However, for the more reliable accountability partner that will be super focused on YOUR goals, hire a coach. Coaches like me can make all the difference when it comes to you reaching all of your life goals!
Set goals.
Setting goals is the best way to accomplish any goal you have! Start by setting clear objectives and understanding why people fail at their goals, and then go for it. In this instance, it could be overall screen time goals or certain app usage goals.
Setting clear and realistic goals for yourself.
Make sure you create both short-term and long-term goals. Of course, take the time to celebrate milestones, even if they’re small. By setting intentional goals, you can empower yourself to live a more mindful and connected life for the sake of your family and wellness.
Try putting down your phone and being more present using these tips!
I hope this post helped you come up with good ways to put that phone down and focus on what really matters. I think you’ll really be surprised how much extra time you’ll have during the day, and how much healthier mind, body, and soul feels. For more advice on living well, head over to my Core Life Habits blog!
Remember, if you’re looking for an accountability buddy and someone who can help you on your journey, reach out to me today! I can help you kick off your journey and get you on the right track to living your best life. Here’s to a more balanced, mindful, and fulfilling journey ahead!
